← New search

2008 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most MAZDA3 years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 108.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

256 reports with mileage · 47 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Tires. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Wheels. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

29 crash reports1 fire reports16 injury reports

Steering complaints

117 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2014
Service BrakesSteeringCrashInjury

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SEIZED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE SPUN AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM BY AMBULANCE AND WAS TREATED FOR BRUISING, WHIPLASH, ACUTE N…

Read full complaint

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SEIZED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE SPUN AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM BY AMBULANCE AND WAS TREATED FOR BRUISING, WHIPLASH, ACUTE NECK, BACK, SHOULDER, AND LEG TRAUMAS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10606990

68,606 miles · Mar 28, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

IN THE PAST MONTH THE RADIO, LIGHTS, THE CLUSTER, ALL SHUT DOWN AND RESTART AS DRIVING. LAST NIGHT AS DRIVING ON TELEGRAPH RD, 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING, I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR, AND ANOTHER VEHICLE BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME, AS I WAS SWITCHING IN NEUTRAL, AND BACK IN DRIVE. ALL OF THE SUDDEN REGAIN C…

Read full complaint

IN THE PAST MONTH THE RADIO, LIGHTS, THE CLUSTER, ALL SHUT DOWN AND RESTART AS DRIVING. LAST NIGHT AS DRIVING ON TELEGRAPH RD, 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING, I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR, AND ANOTHER VEHICLE BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME, AS I WAS SWITCHING IN NEUTRAL, AND BACK IN DRIVE. ALL OF THE SUDDEN REGAIN CONTROL AND WAS ABLE TO TURN RIGHT INTO A PARKING LOT. I REMEMBER HAVING THIS ISSUE BACK IN JAN. OF 2011, AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IT, THAT I HAVE HAD FIXED. THE PATTERN IS THAT I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2008, 3 YEARS LATER - IN 2011 THE RECALL TOOK CARE OF THE DEFECTIVE PART, AND NOW, 3 YEARS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT THE SAME ISSUE ARISE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS, AS IS HAPPENS AS DRIVING UNEXPECTEDLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575340

54,000 miles · Nov 18, 2013
SteeringStructureCrashInjury

THIS IS NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP RECALL ISSUE. THE RECALL WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE BY THE DEALER. I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A BIGGER ISSUE REGARDING "DESIGN NEGLIGENCE" BY MAZDA AS IT RELATES TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON THIS 2008-3. YOU SEE, THE PUMP (AN ITEGRAL PA…

Read full complaint

THIS IS NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP RECALL ISSUE. THE RECALL WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE BY THE DEALER. I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A BIGGER ISSUE REGARDING "DESIGN NEGLIGENCE" BY MAZDA AS IT RELATES TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON THIS 2008-3. YOU SEE, THE PUMP (AN ITEGRAL PART OF THE STEERING AND VEHICLE SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM) IS MOUNTED OUTSIDE THE CAR'S FRAME, JUST FORWARD OF THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE. IT IS BASICALLY JUST BEHIND THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT/FOGLIGHT/BUMPER/QUARTER PANEL ASSEMBLY. THIS LOCATION MAKES IT VERY SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE IN EVEN MINOR ACCIDENTS, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNSAFE IN THE VERY INSTANT WHERE CONTROL AND MANEUVERABILITY MAY KEEP OTHERS FROM BEING INJURED OR KILLED. WHAT BROUGHT THIS TO MY ATTENTION WAS WHEN A DEER RECENTLY RAN INTO THIS VERY LOCATION AND RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE AND THEREFORE UNDRIVABLE. MY DAUGHTER (WHO SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION) WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT THE TIME AND WAS VERY SHOCKED AND SURPRISED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS TECHNICALLY DRIVABLE (MINUS QUARTER PANEL, LEADLIGHT/FOGLIGHT AND PART OF THE BUMPER COVER) SHE COULD NOT PHYSICALLY STEER THE CAR. IN ADDITION, THE OFFICER WRITING UP THE ACCIDENT REPORT TRIED TO MANEUVER THE CAR OFF OF THE ROAD TO A SAFER LOCATION AND WAS ALSO UNABLE TO PHYSICALLY STEER THE CAR. THERE WAS NOTHING OBSTRUCTING THE TURNING OF THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. I WOULD HATE TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED IF THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT A HIGHER SPEED AND ON A BUSIER ROADWAY OR HIGHWAY. THIS TYPE OF PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY AND WELFARE ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED. CAR MANUFACTURERS NEED TO BE MADE TO LOCATE CRITICAL SAFETY, HANDLING, AND MANUEVERABILITY COMPONENTS/EQUIPMENT IN PLACES AFFORDED SOME REASONABLE MEASURE OF PROTECTION AND SURVIVABILITY IN MINOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552778

110,000 miles · Jun 13, 2013
Steering

MY STEERING IS TIGHT UNAVAILABLE TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10519664

82,000 miles · Oct 22, 2012
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE I…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA ODI #10481410

55,000 miles · Aug 30, 2012
SteeringTiresWheels

AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES AN HOUR THE IN-TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM'S RIM ATTACHING NUT CORRODED OFF OF THE VALVE STEM ON THE TIRE. TIRE PRESSURE DROPPED IMMEDIATELY AND HAD TO STOP AND PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE VALVE STEM FELL INTO THE TIRE ONCE PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED. ALL 4 TIRES ALL CORRODED EVENLY AND NEED TO HAVE THE S…

Read full complaint

AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES AN HOUR THE IN-TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM'S RIM ATTACHING NUT CORRODED OFF OF THE VALVE STEM ON THE TIRE. TIRE PRESSURE DROPPED IMMEDIATELY AND HAD TO STOP AND PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE VALVE STEM FELL INTO THE TIRE ONCE PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED. ALL 4 TIRES ALL CORRODED EVENLY AND NEED TO HAVE THE STEMS AND NUTS REPLACED. I'VE OPTED FOR A RUBBER VALVE STEM WHILST SUBMITTING COMPLAINTS. I STILL HAVE NOT HAD THE 3 OTHER TIRES FIXED. REPLACEMENT NON-ALUMINUM TPMS ARE 35-50 A PIECE + INSTALLATION. 1. CHEAP NUTS THAT CRACK AND FALL OFF TIRE STEMS. 2. ALUMINUM STEMS THAT CORRODE COMPLETELY REMOVING THE THREADS. 3. HIGH SPEED CRASH HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10473118

46,000 miles · Aug 15, 2012
Service BrakesSteering

WHILE DRIVING APPROX 75 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED, AND SIMULTANEOUSLY MY BRAKES FAILED (FELT LIKE THEY LOCKED UP, AS THEY BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO PUSH PEDAL). I HAD TO SHIFT SUDDENLY IN TO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO REDUCE MY SPEED AND PULL SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER. THIS SAME INCIDENT ALSO OCCURRED ON 8/10…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING APPROX 75 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED, AND SIMULTANEOUSLY MY BRAKES FAILED (FELT LIKE THEY LOCKED UP, AS THEY BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO PUSH PEDAL). I HAD TO SHIFT SUDDENLY IN TO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO REDUCE MY SPEED AND PULL SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER. THIS SAME INCIDENT ALSO OCCURRED ON 8/10/2012. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10470700

30,633 miles · May 3, 2012
Steering

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE TRAVELING AT MODERATE SPEED. UPON SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING THE CAR PULLED HEAVILY TO THE RIGHT CAUSING ME TO NEARLY HIT A LARGE TREE ON THIS VERY NARROW ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10457225

49,150 miles · Apr 9, 2012
Electrical SystemSteering

I STARTED THE CAR, PUT IT IN REVERSE AND BEGAN BACKING OUT. AS THE CAR BEGAN TO MOVE THE STEERING FELT SLUGGISH LIKE THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONDITION LASTED A FEW SECONDS THEN CLEARED UP. THAT HAPPENED TWICE MORE AS I WAS BACKING OUT. WHENEVER THE STEERING BECAME SLUGGISH SOME OF THE WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON (L…

Read full complaint

I STARTED THE CAR, PUT IT IN REVERSE AND BEGAN BACKING OUT. AS THE CAR BEGAN TO MOVE THE STEERING FELT SLUGGISH LIKE THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONDITION LASTED A FEW SECONDS THEN CLEARED UP. THAT HAPPENED TWICE MORE AS I WAS BACKING OUT. WHENEVER THE STEERING BECAME SLUGGISH SOME OF THE WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON (LOW TIRE, ABS, BRAKE, OIL, ETC). THEY TURNED OFF WHENEVER THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE CONDITION SEEMED TO CLEAR ITSELF SO I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND WENT A FEW HUNDRED FEET. THE SLUGGISH STEERING AND FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN AGAIN. I STOPPED THE CAR, LEFT THE ENGINE RUNNING AND CHECKED THE TIRES, POWER STEERING BELT, AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL. ALL WERE OK. AT THIS POINT I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVED THE KEY. THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER NEEDLES OSCILLATED WILDLY FROM END TO END FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ALSO ON. AFTER WAITING FOR THE INSTRUMENTATION TO SETTLE TO THE NORMAL OFF STATE, I INSERTED THE KEY AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL POWER WHATEVER, LIKE THE BATTERY HAD BEEN REMOVED. I REMOVED THE KEY WAITED 15 SECONDS AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN. THAT TIME THE CAR STARTED AS EXPECTED. I DROVE THE CAR SLOWLY FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THERE WAS NO RECURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES SINCE THEN WITH NO RECURRENCE OF THE STEERING ISSUE OR FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS.

NHTSA ODI #10455152

72,773 miles · Sep 21, 2011
SteeringInjury

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING IN LEFT LANE ON INTERSTATE AND SUDDENLY TURNED INTO CONCRETE DIVIDER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10426616

Official recalls

2

11V329000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

Jun 15, 2011

MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 7, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 28, 2008. THE GROUND TERMINAL OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY BENT DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS THEN OVER TIME THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THE MOTOR CIRCUIT MAY INCREASE UP TO A POINT THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION IN ADVERSE WEATHER COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND HARNESS ON THE WIPER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

10V374000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Aug 12, 2010

MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE10021 · Loss Of Electric Power Steering Assist

Opened Jun 28, 2010 · Closed Nov 29, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Steering:electric Power Assist System

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.